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8 Free Agents The Cleveland Indians Need To Sign This Offseason

By Nick Dudukovich

Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) in action during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Bartolo Colon (40) in action during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson (10) reacts after scoring a run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Austin Jackson (10) reacts after scoring a run against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Austin Jackson, CF

Perhaps Austin Jackson could be this offseason’s Rajai Davis.

Like the Indians  bought a lottery on Davis, the White Sox took a low-risk gamble on Austin Jackson. But Jackson’s ticket didn’t hit.

Maybe it just wasn’t the right year.

Jackson will go into the offseason probably looking for a new team. Like Davis, he’d be a great security net for the Indians’ outfield.

Jackson appeared in just 54 games with the White Sox this year because of a meniscus tear. He slashed .254/.318/.343.

Once upon a time, Jackson could  steal base, but he hasn’t swiped at least 20 bags sine the 2014 season. Perhaps the run-happy Indians could rejuvenate his career on the basepaths, assuming that knee injury heals up nicely.

There’s a couple of reasons the Indians might have to look at Jackson. Davis could be offered a more lucrative deal to play elsewhere. Additionally, Bradley Zimmer may not be ready to start season in center field.

The Indians do have Tyler Naquin, but even he struggled at the end of the 2016 campaign.

Jackson would give the Indians insurance should Zimmer not be ready, and/or if Brantley’s shoulder suffers any setbacks.

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